Formby burglar who once knocked himself out on a plant pot jailed again

December 4, 2015

Gerard Sanders has a history of targeting homes in Birkdale and Formby

A prolific house breaker has been jailed in relation to a burglary in Birkdale.

Gerard Sanders, 32, has been jailed for offences including a burglary in Cromer Road, Birkdale.

Sanders is well known for once knocking himself out on a plant pot after jumping out of a window in Formby.

in 2010 a 64-year-old Formby man was weeding his front garden when neighbour spotted a man jumping over a back fence and entering the back of the Robinsons’ home in Andrew’s Close.

After being alerted, the 64-year-old went back into his house and up the stairs to search for the intruder, until Sanders decided to escape by leaping from the bedroom window. The two Formby men both discovered Sanders lying on the driveway, and immediately contacted the emergency services.

Sanders, who has a lengthy criminal record, woke up to find himself surrounded by police officers and was arrested at the scene before spending the night in hospital.

He later pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and burglary.

At the time Birkdale Neighbourhood Inspector, Jim Atherton, said: “The initial arrest was am excellent example of pro-active police work. “Hopefully this will serve as a message to travelling criminals.”

In 2011 Gerard Sanders was found with stolen goods in Bootle which police linked to a burglary on Harrod Drive in Birkdale.

The home had been raided over August 8 and 9 when the owners were away. Sanders, was stopped by officers on Washington Parade in Bootle for a routine check.

The Anfield man was carrying an iPod, digital photo frame and digital camera.

Officers were not happy with the explanation he gave and arrested him. The electronics were linked to the Harrod Drive burglary and Sanders was arrested again on August 11 and charged with receiving stolen goods. At South Sefton Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison.